National recruiting analyst points out what he likes the most about Tennessee Vols 5-star offensive lineman David Sanders Jr
2025 five-star offensive lineman David Sanders Jr, who signed with the Tennessee Vols in December, was ranked by 247Sports as the No. 3 offensive tackle in the nation and the No. 11 overall player in their final 2025 recruiting rankings. While discussing the final rankings, 247Sports national recruiting analyst Gabe Brooks pointed out the traits […]
2025 five-star offensive lineman David Sanders Jr, who signed with the Tennessee Vols in December, was ranked by 247Sports as the No. 3 offensive tackle in the nation and the No. 11 overall player in their final 2025 recruiting rankings.
While discussing the final rankings, 247Sports national recruiting analyst Gabe Brooks pointed out the traits that he (and other 247Sports scouts) likes the most about Sanders.
Brooks noted Sanders' athleticism and aggressiveness as a couple of the traits that make Sanders an elite recruit.
From 247Sports' Gabe Brooks: We love Sanders for his athleticism, quick feet and potential as a bona fide franchise left tackle. The two-way standout and 2023 North Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year excels in pass protection, neutralizing speed rushers with advanced hand placement and urgency. Though lighter at 280 pounds, his aggressiveness and ability to climb and clear traffic stand out. Durability and anchoring strength will need refinement, but his tools and work ethic make him a top talent with multiyear starter upside and first-round NFL Draft potential.
Sanders is expected to be an immediate contributor for the Volunteers as a true freshman in 2025.
The Charlotte, NC native will likely be Tennessee's starting right tackle this fall (replacing John Campbell, who is out of eligibility). It's also possible that Sanders could play left tackle with Lance Heard, who started at left tackle for the Vols in 2024, moving to right tackle.
We'll see how that situation plays out in spring practice. Either way, it's clear that Tennessee is expecting a lot from Sanders in 2025. And the good news for the Vols is that it looks like Sanders has the physical and mental tools to meet the challenge.
